Dr. Johnnie Jenkins, Jr.

Dr. Johnnie J. Jenkins, Jr., known as Johnnie, Jr., was born August 2, 1950 in Orangeburg, South Carolina to the late Mr. Johnnie James Jenkins, Sr. and the late Mrs. Bessie McCants Clarkson Jenkins. He departed this life on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at Prisma Health Baptist Hospital.

Johnnie attended the public schools of Orangeburg County and graduated from Wilkinson High School. He received a four year scholarship from the The Palmetto Bakery Company. Johnnie chose to attend South Carolina State University where he received a B.S. Degree in Chemistry in 1972. upon completing his four year study at Howard University in Washington, DC, Johnnie graduated with a Ph. D. in Inorganic Chemistry in 1976.

Johnnie was united in Holy Matrimony to the love of his life, Emma Julia Lockard for forty-five years. De. Jenkins was a member of Pilgrim Glorious Church of God since the age of four until his death. He was a dedicated and faithful man. He would often quote, “I am a Man that Believe in God.” At the age of fourteen he was baptized in the name of Jesus in the Edisto River and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. He was a man who was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone. He was a Deacon, Bookkeeper, Sunday School Teacher, Bulletin Producer, Executive Secretary, Trustee Board Member/Chairman and a Handyman.

His hobbies were fishing, cooking, designing and making wood furniture, yard work, traveling, income tax preparation, crossword puzzles, planting flowers, watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, shopping with his wife and visiting and praying with the sick and shut ins.

Dr. Jenkins was preceded in death by four brothers: Elder Paul Jenkins, Mr. Michael Leroy Jenkins, Mr. Emmanuel Clarkson and Bishop Harold Clarkson; grandparents: Deacon Paul McCants, Evangelist Corrie McCants Williams, Elder Peter Williams, Ms. Irving and Mrs. Minnie Jenkins; and six uncles and four aunts.

He leaves to cherish his beautiful loving devoted wife, Emma L. Jenkins; a sister, Dr. Helen C. Hampton; two sisters-in-law: Mrs. Barbara Jenkins of Orangeburg, SC and Mrs. Siretha B. Clarkson of Columbia, SC; three brothers-in-law: Deacon Andrew Lockard of Ladson, SC, Mr. Bruce Lockard of Jefferson City, Missouri and Mr. Daniel Sistrunk, Jr. of Orangeburg, SC; two aunts: Evangelist Frankadean Henderson of Orangeburg, SC and Mrs. Rutha McCants of Bronx, NY; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and a loving church family. In his daily walk with God, he always exemplified true Love to all. Dr. Jenkins is truly loved and will be missed by all who loved him dearly.

Some of Johnnie’s Professional Work Experiences were:
A Summer Research Technician at General Electric Research & Development in Schnectady, NY in 1973.
South Carolina State University Employment
A Research Assistant-1890 Program 1985-1996, Research Co-Investigator 1986-1999, an Assistant Professor of Chemistry 1976-1987, an Associate Professor of Chemistry 1988-2008, Chemistry Coordinator, The Department of Physical Sciences 1995-2008, starting in 2001 he served as Acting Chair for the Department of Physical Sciences for several years. He taught at State College for 32 years. He had a passion for teaching and he loved his students.
Instructional Innovations
Development of a Computer Assisted Instructions Facility, Development of a General Practical Lab Examination, Developed Chemistry and Physical Sciences Major Registration Forms and Developed Numerous Instructional Hand-outs
Student Organizational Sponsors
National Institute of Sciences, Beta Kappa Chi National Scientific Honor Society, Chem Phi Chem Scientific Organization and Health Careers Advisory Committee
Affiliations
American Chemical Society, SC Section Member of ACS, National Institute of Science, Beta Kappa Chi National Scientific Honor Society (Chapter Sponsor), Epsilon Pi Tau (The International Honorary for Professors in Technology)
Other Services/Activities to SCSU
Career Placement 1986, Student Affairs Committee 1982, Admissions and Registration Committee, Financial Resources Sub-Committee SACS Self Study, Teacher of the Year Committee 1995-96, Promotion, Post Tenure Review Committee 2003, Follow-up of Graduates 1982-99, Faculty Senate Representatives 1980-83, Senior Comprehensive Examination Committee 1983, Chemistry Curriculum Committee 1996, Hodge Hall Science Complex Renovation Committee 1986, American Chemical Society Approval Committee 1986, Chaired Chemistry Section Presentations for SC Junior Academy of Science Convention, SC Governor’s School Mentor, 1980-1999, Advisory of High School Students Science Projects. Johnnie also researched grants to train and motivate undergraduate students to do research and pursue graduate studies in Environmental Science.
Publications
Jenkins, J.J. “Polarographic and ESR studies of paramagnetic gold bisdithiolene complexes, Dissertation Abstracts International, 38 (1978 Howard University; Chakrabarti, A.G. and JJ Jenkins (1987) Cellular events contributing to dormancy of seeds; Chakrabarti, A.G., JJ Jenkins and R, Dogra, 1991 Effects of selected air pollutants on the physiological aspects of seed germination Bull S.C. Academy of Sciences 53 50-51; Chakrabarti, A.G., JJ Jenkins and R, Dogra, 1994 Selected air pollutants affecting cellular events in seed germination Research Bulletin No58, South Carolina State University. Dr. Jenkins was Blessed and wrote a book with a co-author called “General Chemistry in Action: along with a laboratory manual.

The service will proceed as follows:

The viewing will be held on Wednesday, July 7,2021 at Glover's Funeral Home from 1:00pm until 7:00pm.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 8,2021 at Belleville Memorial Gardens beginning at 11:00am. All those attending service must wear a mask and adhere to all COVID-19 rules and regulations.

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